September 16 – Belgium remain top of the FIFA world ranking with Brazil a close second and England a newcomer on the podium, moving into third, following matches played in September’s international window.
FIFA released the new ranking after a busy period of national team football. Roberto Martinez will point at the standings to defend his track record with the Belgian national team as the ‘Red Devils’ maintain top spot. Belgium crashed out of Euro2020 against Italy in the quarter-finals, but bounced back earlier this month with three wins from three against Estonia, Belarus and the Czech Republic to all but assure a ticket for the Qatar World Cup.
The ranking however remains idiosyncratic. Euro2020 winners Italy sit in fifth behind the Belgians and England as well. Gareth Southgate’s team defeated both Hungary and Andorra and conceded late to draw with Poland en route to Qatar and move into third, behind Brazil.
The Brazilians remain dominant in South American World Cup qualifying, but despite routine wins against both Peru and Chile their September triple header was overshadowed by the abandonment of the high-profile qualifier against Argentina when Brazilian health officials stormed the Sao Paulo pitch to detain four Premier League based players.
Libya were the biggest movers this month, jumping 12 places after winning their two World Cup qualifiers. Javier Clemente’s team first defeated Gabon and then got the better of Angola to move top of Group F on six points in African World Cup qualifying, ahead of continental heavyweights Egypt.
Kosovo, affiliated to FIFA since 2016, reached an all-time high in 109th place after a 1-0 victory against Georgia and a 1-1 draw with Greece.
FIFA Men’s Ranking at Sept 16:
To see the full ranking click here.
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